The global success story of central Melbourne's transformation since the 1980s

The transformation of central Melbourne since the since the 1980s is a global success story—or rather, many success stories. Public space has been incrementally reclaimed from cars and railyards, and street-life volumes have increased dramatically. From turning its back on the water, Melbourne has become a waterfront city. The decline of central city retailing has been turned around and the formerly negligible residential population is booming. The city has grown grown greener—literally, environmentally and politically. Laneways that were once filled with garbage are now filled with bars, housing and art. Always an urbane place, Melbourne has re-emerged as a city with a depth of character and urban buzz that is palpable, ineffable and unfinished.

Urban Choreography: Melbourne 1985- documents and critiques the range of urban design transformations over this period, together with the key events, plans, projects, places and people involved. It seeks to understand the intermeshing of social, economic…

The transformation of central Melbourne since the since the 1980s is a global success story—or rather, many success stories. Public space has been incrementally reclaimed from cars and railyards, and street-life volumes have increased dramatically. From turning its back on the water, Melbourne has become a waterfront city. The decline of central city retailing has been turned around and the formerly negligible residential population is booming. The city has grown grown greener—literally, environmentally and politically. Laneways that were once filled with garbage are now filled with bars, housing and art. Always an urbane place, Melbourne has re-emerged as a city with a depth of character and urban buzz that is palpable, ineffable and unfinished.

Urban Choreography: Melbourne 1985- documents and critiques the range of urban design transformations over this period, together with the key events, plans, projects, places and people involved. It seeks to understand the intermeshing of social, economic, political, environmental and aesthetic forces that drove and constrained these changes, and concludes by looking forward to the possibilities for another thirty years of change. 'Urban Choreography' invokes the idea that the shaping of these multiple movements could create chaos, but can be guided to work in synergy.

Kim Dovey

Kim Dovey is Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Melbourne where he is former Head of Architecture and of Urban Design. He has published and broadcast widely on social issues in architecture, urban design and planning.

Rob Adams

Rob Adams is Director of City Design and Projects at the City of Melbourne, where he has led urban design strategy and innovation since 1983. He is Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne and author of Transforming Australian Cities and The Eco-Edge.

Ron Jones

Ron Jones is a landscape architect and urban designer who has played a leading role in developing Melbourne’s urban design strategy, park master plans, and designing several major projects. He is director of the award-winning firm Jones and Whitehead, and Adjunct Professor of Landscape Architecture at RMIT University

In this frank conversation, the City of Melbourne’s Director of City Design Rob Adams reflects with Kim Dovey on the legacy of the politicians and planners who have built modern Melbourne, 'the world's most liveable city'.